Real Madrid News
Real Madrid likely to hand starts to two academy prospects vs Mallorca
In a fresh report from MARCA, it has come to light that Jacobo Ramon and David Jimenez are expected to be in the starting XI for Real Madrid’s game against Mallorca.
Both players are finally getting their big break in La Liga, and this could be a key moment in their young careers.
Ramon has been pushing for this opportunity for months. While he already made an appearance in the Champions League, he has been waiting patiently for his first La Liga start.
The centre-back from Castilla has been part of the first-team setup since the summer, but a series of injuries kept him from getting consistent minutes. Despite being called up multiple times, he never quite made it onto the pitch, until now.
Ramon has been considered one of the brightest talents in the youth ranks. He was recently sent back to Castilla to get regular game time and rebuild his form after his injury troubles.
But now, with Aurelien Tchouameni suspended and Real Madrid short on options in defence, Carlo Ancelotti is turning to Ramon. He is expected to partner Raul Asensio at the back and will be hoping to make the most of this long-awaited chance.
Jimenez set for a chance to impress
David Jimenez, on the other hand, is a name that has already made waves in the youth setup. The young right-back is known for his pace, energy, and ability to create chances.
In fact, he is the second-highest assist provider in the youth team. Despite not being a regular with the first team, he is seen as a player with huge potential.
With the La Liga title race almost over, Ancelotti is expected to give more opportunities to younger players and this is Jimenez’s moment to step up and prove he belongs at the top level.
Both Ramon and Jimenez will be eager to grab this opportunity and show the world what they are made of. For fans, it is an exciting glimpse into the club’s future.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
